Our Skilled Podiatrists Discuss Foot and Ankle Conditions Treated by Laser Therapy
Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy is a highly effective medical intervention that uses cutting-edge technology. We are proud to offer this innovative therapy option in our practice to treat a number of acute and chronic foot and ankle conditions. For many people, MLS laser therapy prevents the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery, which we always consider to be a last resort. If you have a condition that laser therapy can address, you should definitely discuss the pros and cons of this treatment option with one of our award-winning podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. Some of the medical issues that can benefit from laser therapy include: .jpeg)
- Neuropathy
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bursitis
- Hematomas
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Sprains and strains
- Nerve pain
- Sports injuries
- Neuromas
- Foot wounds
- Surgery recovery
Benefits of Laser Therapy
There are many things that make laser therapy a preferred option for patients at our podiatry office. These include:
Non-Invasive
Patients undergoing laser therapy don’t need anesthesia or pain medication to handle the process. Additionally, their bodies aren’t exposed to infection risks or other complications like they can be with surgery.
Painless
Some people associate lasers with cutting or burning. Lasers can do those things at other frequencies and concentrations, but the lasers we use for laser therapy are not set up in this way. Laser therapy patients feel little to no sensation from the treatment, and most experience very little pain. Patients who do report feeling any sensation say it is a gentle warming sensation, which some even describe as relaxing.
Fast
One thing our patients love about laser therapy is how quickly they can complete a session and then move on with the rest of their busy day. A typical session is less than half an hour long, and many are only 10-15 minutes. The size of the area to be treated determines just how much time is needed for a session. We outline a customized treatment plan with each patient on a case-by-case basis to explain what you can expect.
Convenient
The sessions are completed right in our office, so there is no need to visit a hospital to receive treatment. There is also no recovery time needed after a session.
Effective
Around 85-90 percent of patients who have a condition that can be treated with laser therapy report that it is effective for them. This means their pain and swelling are either significantly reduced or eliminated by the time they complete their full course of treatment.
Safe for Children and Adults
Unlike many treatment options that can only be used on patients of specific ages, laser therapy can be safely used without regard to age. This is great news for our pediatric patients.
Long-Lasting Relief
Laser therapy does not just temporarily relieve or mask symptoms as many medications do, but it also helps the foot to heal from the underlying causes of pain and swelling. This means the problem does not typically come back once therapy is complete unless the person is injured again or is being treated for a degenerative condition such as arthritis.
How MLS Laser Therapy Works
When our central Texas podiatrists provide MLS, they use highly concentrated light of adjustable wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate the cells inside the damaged area of the foot. This helps the body to heal itself without the use of pharmaceuticals or suffering potentially dangerous side effects and drug interactions they can sometimes create. MLS laser therapy is a type of regenerative medicine that is especially effective for soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Specifically, laser therapy can help in the following ways:
- Accelerate cell growth
- Improve blood circulation
- Help wounds to close more quickly
- Reduce scar tissue
- Decrease risk of infection
- Lessen inflammation and pain
- Improve immune system functioning
- Lead to increased mobility
- Reduce overall recovery time
Number of Laser Therapy Sessions Needed
Patients with an acute condition typically see long-lasting results in as little as one to three sessions. For chronic conditions, six or more sessions may be needed before there is considerable improvement, and the patient may need more sessions for maximum results. These treatments generally take place over the course of several months. For certain chronic conditions, such as arthritis, regular maintenance sessions may be recommended.
Combining Treatment Options
One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it can be used in combination with a variety of other treatment options to enhance your overall results without creating unpleasant interactions between the therapies. Other treatment options we might recommend for our patients include:
- Physical therapy
- Massage
- Pain relieving medications
- Topical creams or ointments
- Injections
- Orthotics
- Lifestyle changes
Does Insurance Cover Laser Therapy?
Although MLS laser therapy has been cleared by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment, many insurance policies still do not cover it. In spite of this, many people do find that it is still an affordable option for them, even if they are paying out of pocket. For that reason, we would encourage you to have a conversation with your podiatrist, even if you know or suspect that your insurance provider won’t cover laser therapy.
Laser Therapy Is Not for Everyone
As with any other medical treatment, laser therapy is a great fit for many people, but there may be reasons why it isn’t the best option for your specific situation. When you meet with one of our podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we will be happy to explain the full range of services we can offer for your condition, review the pros and cons of each option, and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
